Hold on to your hats - another big comedy name has confirmed a Teesside gig.

American stand-up legend Rich Hall has announced a date at Arc, Stockton in November.

The gig marks a hugely welcome Teesside return for Rich after his last barnstorming Arc visit in April 2014.

Fans will know the deadpan genius was the inspiration behind Matt Groening’s character Moe Szyslak from The Simpsons, and is loved by millions of comedy fans thanks to a string of top TV credits including Live at the Apollo, Have I Got News For You, QI and the like.

Renowned for rapid-fire wit, Rich has also wowed sold-out stand-up crowds all over the world, winning the much coveted Perrier and Melbourne International Comedy Festival awards along the way.

Graham Ramsay of promoters Ten Feet Tall, who work alongside Arc to bring comedy shows to Stockton, said: “Ask me to name my top five comics of all-time, and Rich is right up there with the best of them – an absolute legend as far as I’m concerned.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone as quick on his feet up there on that stage, and this is a great chance to see him properly close-up at a relatively intimate gig by his standards.

“He’s always gone down an absolute storm in this neck of the woods, so I definitely recommend people move a bit fast to bag their tickets for this one.

“It’s going to be a top old night, that’s for sure.”

The news adds to an already tasty comedy line-up at Arc with the popular Catch 22 Comedy Club continuing to bring some of the best comics on the circuit to town every month.

Up and coming dates from high profile names include Mark Watson on May 21, Jeremy Hardy on May 28 and Russell Kane on June 4.

Last week Marcus Brigstocke announced an Arc date set for October 5 and Irish stand up Jason Byrne has already confirmed a stop at the venue with his brand new show Propped Up on November 24.

Tickets to see Rich Hall on Friday November 18 are £16. The gig comes with an age guidance of 16 plus.